SAFARI IN BOTSWANA

Located in Southern Africa, the Republic of Botswana is a flat landlocked country, bordered by Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa where 70% of its territory is the Kalahari Desert. Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana gained independence in September 1966 and is now one of the fastest growing economies.

Botswana is a land of dramatic contrasts, from the crystal clear waters of the Okavango Delta to the large elephant herds in the Chobe National Park and the unpredictable Savute Channel, which runs dry and floods seemingly at random.

One of the best ways to discover Botswana’s charms is by &Beyond’s seven night “Fly Me Over Botswana Safari”, ideal for new travellers to Africa, families with children over six and wildlife enthusiasts. Staying at a combination of up to three lodges and camps, this is the ultimate introduction Botswana. All inter-camp flights, accommodation in Botswana, meals on a full board basis, drinks package, game viewing activities as offered by lodges, emergency medical evacuation insurance, airport departure taxes and park fees where applicable are included.

Beginning at Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp that combines the remote and wild game viewing experience of Botswana’s lush grasslands plus the intricate details of the hidden world of the Delta’s waterways. Staying in an East African style safari tent, raised on a wooden platform with a private veranda overlooking a floodplain, the experience is rugged yet luxurious, blending the remoteness of the breathtaking setting with utter comfort and style. Nxabega, meaning “Place of the Giraffe”, is ideally positioned to explore the magnificence of the Okavango.

Journey deeper into the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta to discover a maze of sparkling lagoons, meandering channels and overgrown islands teeming with wildlife, that lies at the heart of the Kalahari Desert. Experience the combination of water and wildlife on twice daily game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles, boating and mokoro (dugout canoe) adventures in the Delta and guided walks, whilst staying in the crafted safari suites of Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge. A helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta offers awe inspiring aerial views of this dramatic water wonderland.

Established in 1991 and one of the world’s leading luxury experiential travel companies, &Beyond, designs personalised luxury safaris in 15 African countries, as well as India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. They also own and operate 33 lodges and camps in Africa and India’s natural highspots.

Committed to sustainable responsible travel and community empowerment, the company has combined with designer Figue to create an exclusive Rhino Pouch to be sold to raise awareness of illegal rhino poaching, which is on the increase throughout Africa. Available at http://www.andbeyondsafarishopping.com, all proceeds go towards Rhinos Without Borders, a joint partnership between &Beyond and Great Plains Conservation to move up to 100 rhino from South Africa to Botswana. This USD 8 million operation will provide a safe haven for the rhino thanks to Botswana’s excellent wildlife security system. The initiative has currently raised sufficient funds to translocate the first 10 rhino and the operation will begin in the first few months of 2015.